Companies with a Google Business Profile (GBP) often want to learn how to disable Google reviews. After all, angry customers can go out of their way to damage a business’s reputation.
They might leave fake reviews even after they’ve stopped doing business with the brand. Sometimes, competitors hire people to leave fake reviews as a malicious business tactic.
Even reporting these reviews to Google doesn’t always bring positive results. Therefore, brands resort to learning how to disable reviews on Google Business. But is that even possible? Let’s explore this topic in detail, along with its limitations and alternatives.
How To Disable Google Reviews
Learning how to disable Google reviews might excite you, especially if you’ve been getting many fake reviews. But unfortunately, there’s no way to turn off these reviews. Anyone with a Google account can leave a review whenever they want.
However, Google might temporarily block new reviews if a business gets a lot of negative ones in a short period. This usually points to the reviews being fake. So, by blocking the option, Google protects businesses from malicious attacks.
Moreover, Google might turn off reviews for businesses like schools and instructors. But again, businesses don’t usually have a say in this. It’s all up to Google.
3 Alternatives To Disabling Google Reviews
Receiving online reviews is important. And that is important on any platform where customers look for information about your business. For example, Yelp and Google reviews are different, but both affect your reputation.
When it comes to dealing with fake or negative reviews, you have a few options.
At this point, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t shy away from genuine negative reviews.
Trying to remove these makes you look bad. Instead, take it as constructive criticism and try to improve your business.
It is also important to take care of other platforms. Here are three alternatives to consider if you’re wondering how to disable Google reviews for my business.
1. Flag or Report Fake Reviews
You already know that Google disables reviews for a business with a surge in negative reviews. But did you know you can report reviews to Google if you think they’re fake? All you have to do is visit your Google My Business dashboard and locate the review. From there, click the three dots in the upper-right corner, then click Report Review.
However, Google will only remove the review if it violates the guidelines. For example, the review must be spam or fake, off-topic, restricted content, illegal content, or impersonation. Otherwise, Google will deny your request.
Remember, malicious users often make the review seem genuine. So, gather all the evidence you have against the reviewer in case you need to defend your case.
2. Respond To Negative and Fake Reviews
Nobody wants a fake review tarnishing their business’s online reputation. However, things don’t always turn out to be in your favor.
If you report a fake review and Google doesn’t remove it, your best bet is to reply to the review. So, start by apologizing for the situation and offer some value.
You can also ask for information that only a genuine customer would have, such as their order number. This might call out the fake reviewer and help you control the damage.
Responding to all reviews is a wise decision, even if they aren’t fake. Apologizing for inconveniences and offering solutions for negative feedback shows that you genuinely care. It can even become a unique selling point. Sometimes, the reviewer might take the review down if you handle it perfectly and solve their problem.
On the other hand, responding to positive reviews with gratitude also leaves a great impression.
3. Ask for More Reviews to Balance Things Out
Apart from reporting and responding, you can also focus on getting more positive reviews to manage the fallout.
Having more positive reviews than negative balances the situation. People might even completely ignore the negative feedback on your Business Profile in this situation. But how do you get more positive reviews?
As a business owner, you must already know that exceptional service is the best way to win your customers’ hearts. If you want people to say positive things about your business, simply double down on this knowledge. Go out of your way to fulfill customer expectations and make them feel understood.
You can use the negative feedback to uncover areas of improvement and make the appropriate changes to your business. This improvement will show customers that you take their words seriously, encouraging them to leave more reviews.
Moreover, inform people that you’re accepting reviews. Show them how to leave feedback on different platforms. You can even incentivize people to give genuine feedback.
As a result, you’ll have a better online reputation without worrying about learning how to disable Google business reviews.
Take Charge of Your Reputation Through Google Reviews
People often face disappointment when asking how to disable Google reviews. But you can still take charge of your reputation. If you notice a fake review, you can report it to Google. Online review management is key.
Alternatively, you can respond to leave a good impression on potential customers. Encouraging happy customers to leave reviews also gets more positive reviews to balance out the negative.
However, to be effective, you need to automate this process.
Beambox is an all-in-one WiFi solution that helps you get more reviews on autopilot and protect your rating. Additionally, you can gather insights about your customers and automate multiple types of campaigns. Start your trial today!
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Disable Reviews on Google
Dealing with online reviews isn’t exactly a smooth journey. So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions to clear any remaining doubts.
Can I hide my Google reviews from my business listing?
No, you can’t hide your Google reviews from your business listing. People who have a Google account can easily view your business and leave a review.
However, Google turns off this option for people if it notices a surge of bad reviews in a short period.
Can I delete a review on Google?
No, you can’t delete a review on Google if you’re a business receiving the review. However, if you’re an individual giving reviews to businesses, you have the option to take your review down.
Go to Google Maps and click Your Contributions > Reviews. Next, click More next to the review you want to edit or delete and follow with the desired action.
How many reports to remove a Google review?
You usually only need to report a Google review once. If Google finds the review violating its terms and conditions, it will immediately remove it. However, you might have to wait three days for Google to review your request.
